Wyatt was on the porch before I made it to the steps. He looked at me and then toward the car.
“Where’s Alyssa?”
“I left her at my parents’ house. I wanted to get settled first before upending her routine. She’s excited because of the horses, but it’s still a change.”
He nodded and reached for my bag. “Well, welcome home.” He held the door for me to walk in.
His mother greeted me with a hug. “Welcome home, Sinclair. You're a saint for helping us.”
“I’m happy to do it, Mrs. Jones.”
“Oh, please call me Peggy.” She looked behind me. “Where’s your daughter?” I had a moment to realize that Peggy was technically Alyssa’s grandmother. My deception felt even worse.
“She’s with my parents. I wanted to get settled first. She’ll be there until after the wedding.”
“I suppose that makes sense. Newlyweds need a honeymoon and since you won’t be going on one, a little time alone won’t hurt. I’ll be in the apartment, so I won’t be in your way.” Peggy chatted on like this was a real marriage. I thought we agreed that we’d tell our families it was fake. Then again, she thanked me for helping them, so she had to know.
“With Stark breathing down our necks and a ranch to run, there’s no time for a honeymoon,” Wyatt said. “At least that’s the cover story.”
“So, she does know this isn’t a real marriage?” I asked, wanting to be sure.
“Oh yes, but I’m happy and grateful that it’s happening. You’re a mother-in-law’s dream catch for her son!” Peggy beamed at Wyatt. I could see she was happy to have him home and proud of the man he’d become.
“Don’t you have something to do, Mom?” Wyatt blushed and it was adorable.
“Yes. The library is having a movie night. Double feature. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the movies.”
“Enjoy Mrs…ah…Peggy.”
“You too, honey.” She gave Wyatt a knowing look and he rolled his eyes.
When the door shut behind her, he said, “Let me show you your room.” He led the way up the stairs, which creaked like an old farmhouse should. The landing at the top was wide with a little chair and table on which fresh flowers sat. I wonder if that’s just for me or if it’s something Mrs. Jones…ah…Peggy does regularly.
“My mom insisted on moving to the grandparent unit and giving me the master. That leaves the next largest room for you and Alyssa.” He opened a door at the top of the landing. “It used to be mine.”
The room didn’t feel masculine which suggested they’d done some work on it. White sheer curtains hung over the window, billowing lightly from a breeze. The rest of the space was clean and bright.
“I didn’t have time to paint, but there’s new bedding and curtains. The window looks out toward the barn, so Alyssa would be able to see the horses.”
The twin bed had pastel horses on it and over it there were framed drawings of horses.
I narrowed my eyes as I studied them. “Are those Alyssa’s drawings?”
“Yes. I hope she won’t mind that I borrowed a few. Do you think she’ll like it?”
I looked at Wyatt with new eyes. He’d always been kind and good to me, but I hadn’t remembered him being so thoughtful. I realized that he was eager to make sure Alyssa felt comfortable and welcome in his home.
“She’ll love it,” I said.
He opened a small closet. “I hope you don’t have too many clothes. This house was built before walk-in closets were a thing.”
I looked in and noticed a child-sized western shirt hanging over a pair of red cowboy boots.
“For when I teach her to ride,” he said when I looked at him. “I promised her I would. I’m looking forward to it.”
“You’ve done a lot for her.”
There was a flash of something in his eyes, as if my comment bothered him.
“I know I’m selfish, but I want her to be comfortable here.” His voice wasn't angry, but I could hear frustration.
“You’re not selfish,” I said. I had an urge to press my hand to his cheek but I resisted. We were roommates, that was it.
“Mom left towels and other things she thought you might need on the dresser. The bathroom is next door. There’s a tub and a shower.”
“Thank you, Wyatt. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous, but you’re making this easier.”
He smiled. “Good. I’ll leave you to get settled. Supper will be ready in half an hour.”
He left me then, heading down the stairs. I was grateful for the respite from his overwhelming presence. Having him so close did all sorts of crazy things to me. Not just my hormones, which did go haywire, but also in my chest. My heart longed for him in the same way it had ten years ago. It didn’t seem to know, as my head did, that we weren’t the same people anymore. It wanted to go back to what we had, but that was gone. The torrent of emotions and titillation had to be a desire to recapture the past, but I knew that couldn’t be done.
I pushed all those crazy feelings away as I unpacked. I looked out the light filmy curtains toward the barn. He was right, Alyssa would like the view. But, what if she liked it here too much? I shook my head, not letting my mind go there. I made a commitment to help Wyatt and the other farmers. I was going to follow through.
The time here would allow me to see Wyatt with Alyssa and if it went as well as it had at my parents’ house, I’d be able to tell him the truth and feel good that he’d love her and stick by her. Ryder told me that it was wrong to make Wyatt pass some sort of test. He was right, of course, but when it came to Alyssa, I couldn’t risk her getting hurt. She came first. From the moment I held her in my
